Nigeria needs repackaging not restructuring, says Okorocha

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has rejected calls for the restructuring of the country, insisting that what Nigeria needs is repackaging to enable it to compete favourably on the international stage.

Okorocha, who noted that each of the geopolitical zones in the country had different understanding of the term restructuring, argued that Nigeria was better as a united country.

The governor spoke on Monday while declaring open the 67th annual conference of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria held in Imo State.

He said, “Every geopolitical zone has its own interpretation of restructuring. To the South-East, restructuring means creation of an additional state. For the South-South, restructuring means resource control. For the South-West, it means devolution of power and the North may see it differently, but whatever is the case, we are better off as a united Nigeria.”

He called on the BON and the media in general to project the country to the outside world in positive light, adding that Nigeria had the needed potential to attract foreign investment.

Okorocha said, “Our nation requires repackaging. It is unfortunate that a great nation like ours has not been properly packaged for consumption by the international community. Yet, there are more evils in other nations than we have in Nigeria but the reports going out about our country is such that no one will want to come into Nigerian unless for those who want to take risks. No nation can grow with this arrangement. I want to charge you today, as you meet, think Nigeria and see how you can repackage it. We are not the worst of them all.

“I call on all Nigerians that this is a period to dramatise and demonstrate patriotism which is anchored on the spirit of sacrifice. We must accept the fact that this nation belongs to us and we do not have any other nation on the face of the earth outside Nigeria. So, it’s incumbent on us to fix Nigeria and make it better not only for us but for generations yet unborn.

“You have a role to play. The news we have about our country outside Nigeria is not a good one and that has, in many ways, discouraged our investors. This is the time to speak less of the ugly situation we go through; this is the time to speak more about the potential in Nigeria. People keep destroying this country by what they say. Therefore, today, my plea would be to the national body that you get a space in your programme titled, Repackaging Nigeria for the Better.”